Citing a dearth of public playgrounds in his district, City Councilman David Ellis is proposing that $700,000 be allocated in the upcoming fiscal year's budget to develop two play areas in western Mandeville. The proposal comes as the city begins to formulate its spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Sept. 1.

NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune archive

Ellis is requesting that the administration budget $100,000 to build a play area in a section of the Beau Rivage neighborhood called Neighborwoods, which is a green space and nature trail at the back of the sprawling subdivision off West Causeway Approach. Neighborwoods is designed to help facilitate drainage in the area while providing a natural, park-like environment for residents.

Although it is designed for recreation, Neighborwoods currently has no playground equipment or play areas for children.

In addition to funding for the Beau Rivage proposal, Ellis is also seeking $600,000 in next year's budget to identify and acquire land for a playground along the West Causeway Approach.

Ellis, who represents the 1st District, which includes most areas west of U.S. 190, touted the community's recreation programs and public schools, but said there is dire a need for playgrounds in his district.

"I think one of the few shortcomings is the lack of public parks and playgrounds; there are several in Old Mandeville, but virtually none in the western part of the city," Ellis said in a press release. "These are important not only for community-building but for the health of our young people. I believe the city can afford these projects and I hope the community will support my requests."

David EllisThe Times-Picayune

Ellis, a first term council representative, is also seeking $750,000 from the city's general fund for street repairs in his district and an unspecified amount for drainage improvements, according to the release.

With the start of a new fiscal year approaching, council members are submitting items to Mayor Donald Villere to be including in the 2013-14 budget.

The city is operating under a $57.4 million budget for the current fiscal year, which was approved by the council in August of 2012.